Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jeffery
BoyEnglish, Germanic· “uncertain; possibly 'peace'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly 'peace' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- JEF-ree
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,556
- US babies 2025
- 110
- Best rank
- #42 (1966)
- Peak year
- 1962
Meaning and origin of Jeffery
Jeffery is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'peace'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Germanic roots.
Jeffery is a spelling of Jeffrey, a form of Geoffrey, a Germanic name brought to England by the Normans. The second element is usually linked to a word for peace, while the first is uncertain. Geoffrey Chaucer, the author of The Canterbury Tales, is a famous medieval bearer. Jeffrey became popular in the mid-twentieth century. It feels friendly and classic. Jeff is the natural nickname. The spelling Jeffery reflects the usual pronunciation, while Geoffrey keeps the older English form. It suits families who want a familiar, dependable name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Jefferey.
Popularity over time
Jeffery first appears in US Social Security records in 1894. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 82 different years, starting in 1939. Its best national rank was #42 in 1966, and the most babies received it in 1962, when 9,282 were named Jeffery. In 2025, 110 babies were named Jeffery, and it ranked #1,556 nationally. That is 64% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,867 in 1920, #183 in 1950, #90 in 1980, #333 in 2000, #568 in 2010, and #1,556 in 2025. Of the 230,549 US boys named Jeffery since records began, 34% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 45,879 babies. Since 2010, 4,434 more have been named Jeffery.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jeff, Tony, Glenn, Chris, and Barry.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jeffery ranked highest in Ohio, Missouri, and Georgia.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jeffery is usually pronounced JEF-ree, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with J and ends in “-ry”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Jefferey.
Middle names for Jeffery
A few middle names that flow with Jeffery: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jeffery
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Lists that include Jeffery
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jeffery mean?
Jeffery is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly 'peace'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Germanic roots.
What is the origin of the name Jeffery?
Jeffery has English and Germanic roots. Jeffery is a spelling of Jeffrey, a form of Geoffrey, a Germanic name brought to England by the Normans.
Is Jeffery a popular name?
Not especially. Jeffery ranked #1,556 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Jeffery a boy or girl name?
Jeffery is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jeffery?
Jeffery is usually pronounced JEF-ree. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings